I didn't realise it at the time but those first opportunities to experience kayaking when I was in the scouts laid down the foundations for this passion.
My first foray into White Water Kayaking was on the River Warfe at Appletreewick where we held one of our annual Scout Camps. There were rapids directly adjacent to our pitches and whilst we did other activities it was the kayaking that got me excited, The river journey's, the scenery, the challenge.
Unfortunately by the time I'd left the scouts, aside from a temporary summer job at my local waterspouts centre, my studies and subsequent employment within various industries took me down a different path. Fast forward to 2016 and I found the opportunity to engage in paddlesports again and you could say I am making up for lost time and immersing myself in the sport. My passion is for recreational White Water Kayaking but I also enjoy Rafting, Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding. The sport has taken me to some amazing places and I would say even more importantly allowed me to meet an amazing community of paddlers.
Along with my wife I joined Sheffield City Kayak Club who have been extremely supportive and instrumental in my development as not only a paddler but an instructor, kayak leader and safety course provider. My lucky break in the industry was after contacting Jon Best who runs a company called Rapid Horizons and starting to work as a freelance river guide on the River Derwent in the Peak District taking customers on river trips in kayaks, canoe and river tubes.
British Canoeing Qualificiations :
Paddlesport Instructor
Paddlesport Touring Leader
White Water Kayak Leader
Grade 2 Raft Guide
Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course Provider
My Philosophy on Paddlesports
As a paddlesports instructor and leader I value dedication and effort, honesty, openness, kindness and mutual respect.
I believe that paddlesports should be inclusive, accessible and open to all and that a participant focused approach should be adopted.
I am passionate about my objectives to deliver safe, engaging, challenging and fun paddlesports experiences in a range of environments that inspire and motivate participants to fulfil their paddling ambitions and goals.
